Upward, Inward, Outward (John 1:15)

Read: Genesis 28:6 – 30:24 John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’” (John 1:15) Relate: Almost every time I am preaching or teaching on a…

When the Light Shows Up (John 1:5)

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. (John 1:5) Read: Genesis 11:1-14:24, 1 Chronicles 11:24-27 Relate: Good vs Evil. Light vs Darkness. God vs Satan. They two equal and opposite sides forever locked in an eternal struggle for dominance that neither side will ever win. Although it might sometimes seem to tip…

Wake Up and Live (John 1:4)

Read: Genesis 7:1-10:32, 1 Chronicles 1:5-23 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. (John 1:4) Relate: He doesn’t even know he is dead. He is walking around going through the motions of life. He is working, sleeping, walking, and talking, but he is as dead as dead can be.…

The Handiwork of God (John 1:3)

God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. (John 1:3) Read: Genesis 4:1-6:22, 1 Chronicles 1:1-4 Relate: When I was in Bible College, and in the years shortly thereafter, I invested a lot of time on a couple message boards defending creationism. I’m talking about a lot of time. I had the crazy idea in…

In The Beginning (John 1:1-2)

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. (John 1:1-2) Read: Genesis 1:1-3:24 Relate: The clock has ticked down. The ball has dropped. Cheers have gone up and, for those luckier than me, kisses have been exchanged. The old has gone away, a…

Broken Leftovers (12/30/13)

Read: Malachi 1:1-2:17, Revelation 21:1-27, Psalm 149:1-9, Proverbs 31:10-24  The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says to the priests: “A son honors his father, and a servant respects his master. If I am your father and master, where are the honor and respect I deserve? You have shown contempt for my name! “But you ask, ‘How have we ever shown contempt for…

Confidence Men (12/27/13)

Read: Zechariah 10:1-11:17, Revelation 18:1-24, Psalm 146:1-10, Proverbs 30:33 Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them. (Psalm 146:3-4) Relate: There is only one reason a person would purchase a magazine like National Enquirer. Their headlines are…

He Is Near

Read: 2 Kings 10:32-12:21, Acts 18:1-22, Psalm 145:1-21, Proverbs 18:1 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. (Psalm 145:18) Relate: In 1971 the greatest mind on Tibetan and Himalayan culture, Dr Michael Aris married Aung San Suu Kyi who was at that time working at the United Nations.…

Joy (12/25/13)

Read: Zechariah 8:1-23, Revelation 16:1-21, Psalm 144:1-15, Proverbs 30:29-31 The streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls at play. (Zechariah 8:5) Yes, joyful are those who live like this! Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord. (Psalm 144:15) Relate: There is just something about Christmas morning that just fills the soul with joy. Growing up, most…